Storing biologically contaminated items

ABSTRACT

The receptacle is shown for storing biologically contaminated items. The receptacle has a storage portion ( 901 ) and a closure portion ( 902 ) each fabricated from plastic card. The closure portion is placed in an open condition for receiving items or in a closed condition in which the receptacle is liquid-tight. A first sealing device ( 903 ) is provided for sealing the closure portion to allow transportation to a decontamination station.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the storage of biologicallycontaminated items, such as those produced in laboratories and thoseresulting from the removal of dressings, etc. The invention is concernedwith the storage and disposing of items of relatively low value, asdistinct from the storage of knives and needles and similar devices,collectively known as sharps.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided areceptacle for storing biologically contaminated items, comprising anopening for receiving hand held items after said items have beencontaminated with biological material; and first sealing apparatus forsealing said opening so as to allow the receptacle to be transported fordecontamination by the application of heat; wherein said first sealingapparatus is configured to become unsealed during said decontaminationprocess so as to facilitate the sterilisation or destruction of saiditems.

In a preferred embodiment, the first sealing apparatus is an adhesivetape protected by a covering strip and said opening is sealed by saidadhesive tape by the removal of said strip.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provideda receptacle for storing biologically contaminated laboratory items,comprising a storage portion and a closure portion each fabricated fromplastic coated card, wherein said closure portion is placed in an opencondition for receiving said items or in a closed condition in which thereceptacle is liquid-tight and a first sealing apparatus is provided forsealing said closure portion to allow transportation to adecontamination station.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an overview of an environment in which the invention isdeployed;

FIG. 2 details a procedure for making receptacles;

FIG. 3 shows an example of a blank;

FIG. 4 shows how a tube is constructed from a blank;

FIG. 6 illustrates the addition of an adhesive tape;

FIG. 6 illustrates a first stage for sealing the base of the receptacle;

FIG. 7 shows the sealing of the base of the receptacle;

FIG. 8 shows a completed receptacle;

FIG. 9 illustrates the placing of a contaminated item into thereceptacle;

FIG. 10 illustrates temporary sealing of the receptacle;

FIG. 11 illustrates the removal of a protective strip as the first stageto the permanent sealing of the receptacle;

FIG. 12 illustrates the closing of the receptacle;

FIG. 13 further illustrates the dosing of the receptacle,

FIG. 14 illustrates a first sealing operation;

FIG. 15 illustrates a final sealing operation;

FIG. 16 shows sealed receptacles loaded into an autoclave basket;

FIG. 17 shows the state of the receptacles after the autoclavingprocess; and

FIG. 18 illustrates the disposal of a sterilized receptacle.

WRITTEN DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

FIG. 1

A preferred embodiment will be described for the storage and disposingof biologically contaminated laboratory implements. However, it shouldbe appreciated that the invention may also be used in similarenvironments for the storage of contaminated waste, such as soileddressings etc.

An overview of an environment in which the invention is deployed isillustrated in FIG. 1. At step 101 raw materials in the form of plasticcoated card and adhesive tape are received and conveyed to stage 102where a receptacle is made.

In use, as illustrated at step 103, contaminated waste is insertedwithin the receptacle which, following the insertion, results in thereceptacle being closed at step 104. When the receptacle is full, or atthe end of a working period, a first sealing apparatus may be deployedwhich provides permanent sealing of the receptacle. However, atintermediate stages, a second apparatus may be used to provide temporaryclosure such as, over a rest interval or if a laboratory operative isrequired to perform alternative tasks.

Finally, at step 105 disposal of the receptacle takes place. In apreferred embodiment, the receptacles are configured such that it ispossible to stack one upon the other so as to allow for efficienttransportation. Disposal usually takes place by first of all effecting ade-contamination process by placing the receptacles in an autoclave orin an incinerator. In the preferred embodiment, the permanent sealingapparatus is configured such that failure takes place when heat isapplied resulting in the receptacle opening at least in part so as tofacilitate the sterilization or destruction of the items containedtherein.

FIG. 2

Procedure 102 for making the receptacles is detailed in FIG. 2. At step201 a roll of card typically having a thickness of 0.5 mm and coated bya polyethylene film on both sides is cut into blanks. At step 202 eachblank is formed into a tube, with sealing taking place by theapplication of heat; this being responsible for temporarily melting theplastic coating.

At step 203 double-sided sealing tape, such as VHB double sided foamtape manufactured by 3M is applied. The sealing tape is applied to asurface of the receptacle and the free surface of the sealing tape isprotected by a cover strip.

FIG. 3

As previously described with effect to FIG. 2, the roll of coated cardis cut into blanks at step 201. An example of a blank of the typeproduced at step 201 is illustrated at FIG. 3. Regions 301, 302, 304 and305 fold to form a base portion. Similarly, regions 311, 312, 313, 314and 315 fold to define sidewall portions. Likewise, the regions abovesaid sidewall regions define a closure portion. The sidewall portionsand the base portions previously described, in combination, define astorage portion.

Long sidewall regions 311 and 313 include a window 316 and 317respectively cut therein. After the blank has been cut as shown in FIG.3, transparent material is applied over the inside of said windows 316and 317 so as to allow an operative to view the contents of the storageportion while at the same time ensuring that it is not possible for anyliquid contained within the receptacle to escape after the receptaclehas been closed.

FIG. 4

Procedure 202 as previously described concerns the forming of a tubefrom each of the blanks, of the type shown in FIG. 3. The blank isfolded along its vertical lines to produce a tube as illustrated in FIG.4. The tube is secured by heating region 315 such that it is then heldsecurely in place against region 311. By the application of heat,causing the plastic coating to effectively be welded, the assembly issecured to provide a liquid-tight arrangement, so as to ensure that anycontaminated material cannot escape during transportation.

As previously described, regions are present, illustrated generally as401, which are folded in order to define a base. Similarly, regionsillustrated generally at 402 are folded to define a closure. Thus, whensupplied, base portions 401 are sealed whereas closure portions 402remain open until contaminated material has been placed in thereceptacle and the receptacle is closed.

The closure portions 402 include a tab 403 for receiving a seal so as toensure that the receptacle is fully sealed during transportation.

FIG. 5

Step 203, as identified in FIG. 2, requires the application of a sealingtape to the closure portion of the receptacle, as illustrated in FIG. 5.

An adhesive tape, preferably in the form of an acrylic foam double-sidedadhesive tape is protected on one side by a tape which is removed fromthe adhesive strip prior to sealaing. Preferably, the adhesive strip isof the high initial grab type and may have a thickness of around onemillimetre. A preferred example is XYZ tape manufactured by 123.

Thus, a length 501 of adhesive strip is applied to tab 403, asillustrated in FIG. 5.

During the formation of the blank, region 305 is scored to produce scorelines 404 and 405. Similarly, corresponding parts of the closure arescored as illustrated at 503 and 504. Similar scoring is also providedat the opposing end to region 305 for example.

FIG. 6

Having applied tape to the closure it is now necessary to seal the baseas required by procedure 204. Initially, force is applied in thedirection of arrow 601 and in the direction of arrow 602 in order toencourage folding of score lines 404 and 405 and the corresponding scorelines on the opposite side. As pressure is applied in these directions,regions 301 and 304 are forced to together slightly such that, on theapplication of further pressure and heat, it becomes possible to sealthe base.

FIG. 7

Having formed a tube and having folded the base portions partially, asillustrated in FIG. 6, heat and pressure are applied to the baseportions in order to effect permanent sealing. Heat and pressure isapplied by the action of a mandrel 701 which is effectively insertedwithin the container so as to be forced into contact with what is tobecome the bottom surface of the container on the inside. The mandrel701 then co-operates mechanically with a base-plate 702 thereby allowingheat and pressure to be applied to both the inner and outer surfaces ofthe base. This results in the cardboard regions being forced into therequired orientation and then permanently held in this orientation byeffectively melting and thereby welding part of the plastic cover.

In the preferred production method, additional means are provided forsupplying heat to the cardboard regions that are to be welded. Theregions are then brought together under pressure by the application ofthe mandrel and the base-plate whereupon, through the introduction ofcooling water, it is then possible to effect a rapid cooling andsolidification such that a secure weld is made in a relatively shortperiod of time.

The base-plate 702 has a raised profile such that region 703 issubstantially curved in a positive sense so as to push portion 703 intothe base-plate area and thereby create a slight concavity when viewedfrom an external perspective. In this way, when in use and supportedupon a base, the container rests substantially upon it corner edges.Thus, even when material is place into the storage portion of thereceptacle it is not possible for the base region to bow outwards; andthereby preventing rocking and instability.

FIG. 8

A completed receptacle is illustrated in FIG. 8. As previouslydescribed, the receptacle rests substantially upon its corners 801, 802,803 and a fourth corner not shown in this Figure. This has been achievedby the profile of the base-plate 702, as previously described, used whenforming the closed storage portion during the manufacturing process.

It can be seen from FIG. 8 that the sidewalls present a substantiallytapered profile such that it becomes relatively easy to store one suchreceptacle within another, such that many such receptacles may be storedtogether in a relatively small space. Thus, in addition to reducingstorage requirements, the arrangement of the receptacles in this wayalso facilitates the transportation of the apparatus. Thus, it is notnecessary to perform assembly stages prior to use which could, inpractice, undermine the requirement for the receptacles to be sealed soas to prevent the escape of any liquid material.

FIG. 9

A receptacle in use is illustrated in FIG. 9. In this example, thereceptacle is being used primarily for storing biologically contaminatedlaboratory implements such as plastic loops and similar non-sharp itemswhich, although not presenting a mechanical hazard, could present asignificant biological hazard.

The receptacle presents a storage portion shown generally as 901 and aclosure portion illustrated generally as 902, each fabricated fromplastic coated card. The closure portion may be placed in an opencondition, as illustrated in FIG. 9, for receiving contaminated itemswhich, thereafter, may be viewed through window 316. The closure portionmay also be placed in a closed condition in which the receptacle becomesliquid-tight so as to ensure that any biologically contaminated liquidcontained therein cannot escape during transportation.

A first sealing apparatus 903 is provided by the acrylic foamdouble-sided tape; this allowing the closure portion to be sealed aspreviously described so as to facilitate transportation to an area wheredecontamination may take place.

FIG. 10

Having inserted contaminated items within the receptacle, an operatormay wish to leave the receptacle for a short period of time (possiblyover a lunch break) and then reuse the receptacle prior to applying thepermanent seal. Under these conditions, it is possible to close thereceptacle, as illustrated in FIG. 10, and apply a secondary sealingdevice such as a plastic clip 1001. Upon returning from a short absence,the dip 1001 may be removed, the closure portion re-opened andadditional contaminated items may be placed within the storage portionof the receptacle

FIG. 11

Eventually, upon the receptacle becoming full or at the end of theworking day, it becomes necessary to seal the receptacle such that it isnot possible for any contaminated items to be removed. As a first stageto sealing the receptacle, protection strip 1101 is removed from itsassociated adhesive tape 1102. Having removed the strip, the acrylicfoam high initial grab tape should not be touched and the receptacleclosure should be manipulated so as to place the receptacle in itsclosed condition.

FIG. 12

Having removed the protection strip, the ends of the closure portion aresqueezed together so as to force said ends together in the directions ofarrows 1201 and 1202.

FIG. 13

Having brought the edges together as illustrated in FIG. 12, the closureportion is now forced downwards in the direction of arrow 1301. Thisresults in the top of the receptacle being rendered substantially flatso as to create a closed container having substantially parallel upperand lower faces, with tapering end faces.

FIG. 14

Having brought the top of the receptacle down so as to form its closedcondition, the tab 403 is folded over thereby creating a sealed andsubstantially flat top surface.

FIG. 15

Final closure is achieved by folding end portions 1501 of the tab 403along the side edges of the receptacle which are then secured inposition by the adhesive tape.

FIG. 16

Having closed the receptacle as illustrated in FIG. 15, it is now in aposition to be transported to a decontamination station such that thewaste may be rendered harmless or totally destroyed. In the exampledisclosed herein, the waste is first of all sterilized in an autoclavesuch that subsequent destruction may occur using conventional wastedisposal techniques.

As a first stage, individual closed receptacles, of the type shown inFIG. 15 and illustrated generally as 1601, are loaded into an autoclavebasket 1602.

FIG. 17

The autoclave basket 1602 is inserted, either alone or in combinationwith similar baskets, into an autoclave. The autoclaving processinvolves the generation of high temperature and pressure (superheated)steam which is designed to penetrate all areas of contaminationresulting in complete sterilization.

An embodiment of the present invention therefore provides a receptaclefor storing biologically contaminated items, in which the receptacle hasan opening for receiving items that have been contaminated withbiological material. A dosing apparatus is provided by the adhesive tape1102 which, once secured, as shown in FIG. 15, allows the receptacle tobe transported for decontamination by the application of heat. In theembodiment, heat is applied via the autoclaving process, in which theheat is transferred to the receptacle via the transmission of the superheated steam.

In this embodiment the tape 1102 is configured to become unsealed duringthe decontamination process so as to facilitate the sterilization ordestruction of the contaminated items.

FIG. 17 shows autoclave basket 1602 when removed from the autoclaveafter the autoclaving process has been performed. As shown in FIG. 17,the seals have now failed due to the presence of the superheated steamand the elastic nature of the receptacle closure has resulted in saidclosure becoming at least partially open. This opening process takesplace at a relatively early stage of the autoclaving process, such thatsuperheated steam is now given free access to the internal contents ofthe receptacle. In this way, the receptacle ensures that fullsterilization takes place; thereby rendering the contaminants harmlessprior to subsequent transportation for destruction.

FIG. 18

The final stage of the destruction process is illustrated in FIG. 18.The autoclaving procedure, with the receptacles opening such that fulldecontamination takes place, results in the receptacles along with theircontents being rendered substantially harmless. As such, they can beeasily removed from the autoclave basket 1602 and disposed of in wastesacks 1801, as shown in FIG. 18.

1. A receptacle for storing biologically contaminated items, comprisingan opening for receiving hand-held items after said items have beencontaminated with biological material; first sealing apparatus forsealing said opening so as to allow the receptacle to be transported forde-contamination by the application of heat; wherein said first sealingapparatus is configured to become unsealed during said decontaminationprocess so as to facilitate the sterilization or destruction of saiditems.
 2. A receptacle according to claim 1, wherein said first sealingapparatus is an adhesive tape protected by a covering strip and saidopening is sealed by said adhesive tape by the removal of said coveringstrip.
 3. A receptacle according to claim 1, wherein said opening isdefined by folded portions configured to deform elastically and saidelastically deformed portions are configured to at least partiallyreturn to their pre-deformed state after said opening has becomeunsealed during decontamination.
 4. A receptacle according to claim 1,wherein said first sealing apparatus is configured to become unsealed inan autoclave thereby facilitating the sterilization of said items.
 5. Areceptacle according to claim 1, wherein said first sealing apparatus isconfigured to become unsealed in an incinerator thereby facilitating thedestruction of said implements.
 6. A receptacle according to claim 1including a second sealing apparatus configured to provide a temporaryand reversible sealing mechanism for said opening.
 7. A receptacle forstoring biologically contaminated items, comprising a storage portionand a closure portion each fabricated from plastic coated card, whereinsaid closure portion is placed in an open condition for receiving saiditems or in a closed condition in which the receptacle is liquid-tight;and a first sealing apparatus is provided for sealing said closureportion to allow transportation to a decontamination station.
 8. Areceptacle according to claim 7, wherein said storage portion hastapering sides to facilitate bulk storage in an unused state.
 9. Areceptacle according to claim 7, wherein said closure portion is foldedand secured by an adhesive tape.
 10. A receptacle according to claim 9,wherein said adhesive tape is protected by a strip, and said strip isremoved as part of a securing process.
 11. A receptacle according toclaim 9, wherein said adhesive tape is configured to release saidclosure during a decontamination process involving the application ofheat.
 12. A receptacle according to claim 7, wherein said storageportion includes a transparent area so as to allow a laboratoryoperative to view the contents of said storage portion.
 13. A receptacleaccording to claim 7, wherein said storage portion has a base and saidbase curves inwards such that the storage portion rests substantiallyupon its corners when in use.
 14. A method of sterilizing or destroyinghand-held laboratory implements, comprising the steps of placing itemscontaminated with biological material into a receptacle via an opening;sealing said opening using first sealing apparatus; transporting thesealed receptacle to a decontamination station; and, at saiddecontamination station, applying heat to sterilize or destroy saiditems, wherein said first sealing apparatus is configured to becomeunsealed in response to said heat application step to facilitate thesterilization or destruction of said implements.
 15. A method accordingto claim 14, wherein said first sealing apparatus is an adhesive tapeprotected by a covering strip, said method further comprising theremoval of said covering strip from said adhesive tape to effect closureof the receptacle.
 16. A method according to claim 15, wherein saidadhesive strip contracts under the action of said heat so as tofacilitate said unsealing.
 17. A method according to claim 14 whereinthe opening is defined by folded portions configured to deformelastically such that said elastically deformed portions at leastpartially return to their pre-deformed state after the first sealingapparatus has become unsealed.
 18. A method according to claim 13,wherein said heat is applied by the operation of an autoclave.
 19. Amethod according to claim 14, further comprising the steps of sealingsaid opening using a second temporary sealing apparatus after placingitems into the receptacle; leaving the receptacle for a period of time;removing said second sealing apparatus; placing further items into thereceptacle; and sealing the opening using the first sealing apparatus.20. A method according to claim 14, wherein said opening is sealedsubstantially flat to facilitate the mass transportation of sealedreceptacles to the decontamination station.
 21. (canceled) 22.(canceled)